Numerical analysis and experimental correlation of uncoupled concrete walls incorporating Shear Link Bozzo connections

Abstract

Este proyecto presenta una comparación analítica entre un ensayo experimental y un modelo numérico de muros de concreto desacoplados mediante conexiones Shear Link Bozzo (SLB). El propósito de este proyecto es analizar la influencia de los diferentes parámetros en el comportamiento de las conexiones SLB y cómo mejorar su rendimiento. Para comprender el comportamiento estructural de las conexiones SLB, algunas pruebas de muros de concreto desacoplados aplicando este innovador sistema se realizaron en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Los resultados de estas pruebas se utilizan para validar sus valores numéricos a través de simulaciones en un software de análisis de elementos finitos; en este caso, ABAQUS CAE. Una vez validado, los principales parámetros de las conexiones SLB se varían para comprender cómo estos afectan su comportamiento general. Los resultados han demostrado que aumentar o disminuir el volumen de las conexiones SLB mejora o deteriora su comportamiento, respectivamente; sin embargo, el más efectivo y un enfoque beneficioso es mejorar la conexión entre las conexiones SLB y el muro de concreto.

This project presents an analytical comparison between an experimental test and a numerical model of uncoupled concrete walls using Shear Link Bozzo (SLB) connections. The purpose of this project is to analyse the influence of the different parameters in the behaviour of the SLB connections and how to improve their performance. Concrete structural systems are well known worldwide due to their stiffness; however, their lack of dissipative capacity has caused many catastrophes. Dr Luis Bozzo came with the idea of taking advantage of the dissipative capacity of metallic steel connections; therefore, he developed a dissipator called SLB connection that allows to combine different features of the structural systems mentioned in order to create a system that presents rigidity, flexibility and ductility at the same time. In order to understand the structural behaviour of the SLB connections, some tests of uncoupled concrete walls applying this innovative system were performed at National Autonomous University of Mexico. These tests results are used to validate their numerical simulations through a Finite Element Analysis software; in this case, ABAQUS CAE. Once validated, the main parameters of the SLB connections are varied to obtain how these affect their general behaviour. The results have shown that increasing or decreasing the volume of the SLB connections improves or deteriorates their behaviour respectively; however, the most effective and beneficial approach is to enhance the connection between the SLB connections and reaction concrete wall.